D23 2026 Roundup: Animal Kingdom!
D23 gave us some exciting updates for the new land coming to Animal Kingdom, plus an announcement that’s bound to get Expedition Everest fans roaring!
The Yeti Returns
Disney World has announced plans to repair the broken Yeti on Expedition Everest. The animatronic stopped working in 2007, about a year after the ride opened. It wasn’t just the animatronic that was broken; the structure below it was, too.
Fixing the problem would have meant closing the ride to rebuild the floor and mounting system, so it’s stayed broken for 19 years. They haven’t announced a specific repair date, but hopefully we’ll finally get to see him moving again soon.
Pueblo Esperanza
Pueblo Esperanza is the new land replacing Dinoland USA at Animal Kingdom opening in 2027. The land draws inspiration from the tropical Americas, with three attractions already announced. At this year’s D23, we learned even more details about Pueblo Esperanza and its attractions!
El Carousel De Los Animalitos
We already knew a wooden carousel was coming to Pueblo Esperanza, but now it has an official name: El Carousel De Los Animalitos!
The carousel will feature twenty-two hand-carved animals from Disney and Pixar movies, bringing an Animal Kingdom feel to a classic attraction.
Antonio’s Fiesta de Encanto
Antonio’s Fiesta de Encanto is the name of the new Encanto ride coming to Pueblo Esperanza. The story takes place on Antonio’s gift day as the Madrigals get ready to celebrate. You’ll board a ride vehicle made from furniture, specially created by Casita to move you around from room to room, ending in Antonio’s rainforest bedroom.
All the actors from the Encanto movie will reprise their roles, with Disney sharing a video of Stephanie Beatriz (Mirabel), Jessica Darrow (Luisa), and Diane Guerrero (Isabella) recording lines for the attraction.
It was also announced that there is no height requirement for the ride, so it’s perfect for the whole family.
Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent
Indy is bringing his legendary adventures to Animal Kingdom with Indiana Jones and the Myth of the Jade Serpent. This will be the first park attraction to feature an Indiana Jones animatronic modelled after Harrison Ford.
You’ll join Indiana as he explores a Maya temple where, according to local legend, a passageway to the Maya underworld is guarded by a mythical creature known as the Tsukán.
It doesn’t take long for Indy to realise the legend is true as you’re pulled into a portal and find yourself in the underworld, surrounded by bats, scorpions, and of course, snakes! You’ll have to find your way out before time runs out.
Unfortunately, the underworld isn’t the only myth that’s real, as you’ll come face to face with Tsukán, the serpentine creature, in a jaw-dropping final confrontation.
You can keep up to date with all the information about Pueblo Esperanza here.
More Roundups from D23 2026:
Becca likes to create fun and creative Disney-inspired recipes, from copycat park favorites to unique Disney twists on classic treats! When she’s not coming up with new ideas on bringing the magic home, she’s keeping up with the latest Disney World updates and changes!
